James Rigby, executive chairman of SCC, and Steven Rigby, chief executive officer of Rigby Group, were awarded honorary doctorates on Tuesday 15 July.

The honours celebrate the pair’s outstanding contributions to technology, entrepreneurship and philanthropy, as well as their role in helping build Birmingham-headquartered Rigby Group into one of the UK’s largest privately owned businesses.

Together, they have helped drive innovation, create employment opportunities and champion investment in communities across the West Midlands and beyond.

SCC is a leading European technology company based in Birmingham, generating revenues of £3.5 billion and employing more than 7,000 people. It was founded by their father, Sir Peter Rigby, and is the largest privately owned information technology group in Europe and is the core business focus of the Rigby Group. 

James joined SCC in 1993, beginning his career in engineering services and from 2015 to 2025 he served as chief executive officer.

Throughout his career, he has remained a strong advocate of promoting diversity and inclusion, environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments and responsible business practices.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he is deeply engaged in charitable and civic initiatives.

He serves as a trustee of both The Rigby Foundation and The Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust, supporting a wide range of community and charitable programmes across Birmingham. He is also a member of Birmingham’s UB22 Commonwealth Games Legacy Committee. 

James said: “It is a great honour to receive this recognition from Aston University. Birmingham and the West Midlands have played a central role throughout my career.

“I am passionate about supporting future generations of leaders and innovators, and I hope the graduates of 2026 will embrace every opportunity to make a positive impact in their professions, communities and beyond.”

Meanwhile, Steven is chief executive officer of Rigby Group which is one of the UK’s top ten wholly family-owned companies and is ranked among the top 500 globally.

With more than 30 years’ experience, he now leads the organisation’s strategy, finance and family investment activities across both private and public markets.

He also serves on the boards of SCC, Rigby Technology Investments, Rigby Real Estate, the Group’s hotel division, Nuvias Unified Communications, CloudClevr, Infinigate and Rigby Group. 

As chair of The Rigby Foundation, he leads the work of one of the region’s most significant family foundations, helping to create positive social impact through philanthropy and community investment.

Steven is also a recognised voice on entrepreneurship, family business and place-based giving.

He regularly contributes to public discussions and media commentary on these topics and serves as chair of Family Business UK (FBUK). In addition, he is a member of NatWest’s Mid-Market Growth Council.

Steven said: “I am delighted and deeply honoured to be receiving an honorary degree from Aston University. The University has a strong reputation for developing talented, entrepreneurial graduates who go on to make a real difference in business and society.

“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it comes from an institution at the heart of the West Midlands, a region that has shaped both my career and our family business. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of Aston’s graduates and wish them every success for the future.”

Interim vice-chancellor Mike Caine said: “Through their leadership, innovation and commitment to responsible business and community engagement, James and Steven have made a significant contribution to the growth of the UK technology sector, the strength of family business and the prosperity of the West Midlands.

“Aston University is delighted to honour both men at its 2026 Graduation Ceremonies and to celebrate the impact they have made on business, society and future generations of leaders.”